Mysteryland USA brings newcomers, old friends back to Woodstock site #MLUSA

Friday

May 23, 2014 at 7:43 PMMay 23, 2014 at 7:57 PM

Thousands of dance-music obsessed youth tamped down the muddy fields of the original Woodstock festival Friday, setting up camp on the "holy ground" for the first time since 1969 for the all-weekend party, Mysteryland.

James Nani

BETHEL -- Thousands of dance-music obsessed youth tamped down the muddy fields of the original Woodstock festival Friday, setting up camp on the "holy ground" for the first time since 1969 for the all-weekend party, Mysteryland.

The European dance music festival made it's first foray into the United States in Bethel, taking over one of the most iconic concert grounds in music history.

But even though the music of the electronic dance music scene bared little resemblance to that which floated over Woodstock more than 40 years ago, one attendee said the vibes were similar.

When just 15 and a half, Johnson said he came to the first Woodstock Music & Art Fair. Though the instruments were different (he remembers the Marshall amps), Thomas said he needed to come back again.

"I just wanted to see this," Johnson said. "It's a new version of the arts and healing that Woodstock had."

Still, the easygoing vibe had some precautions. Those arriving Friday had to endure lines, check-ins and heavy security. Those camping couldn't return to their vehicles until the music fest was over Monday, forcing groups to drag days worth of supplies from the parking area across muddy ground and rocky terrain.

Yes, the mud was back.

Those swarming onto the grounds used anything and everything to get their gear inside, from sleds to carts and garbage bags. Sticking out of the bags were toilet paper, water, masks, peanut butter, sunglasses, tents, sleeping bags, pillows, hula hoops, crowns, feathered head dresses, a light-up purple peace sign and a mailbox, to name just a few things.

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PHOTOS: Check out photos from Friday at Mysteryland.

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Mike Marrero, 24, and his buddy Phillipe Giando, 25, came from Brooklyn and when they got to Sullivan County, bought a garbage can at WalMart to stuff in all their gear.

"Security isn't bad, but the mud and the rocks?" said Giando.

Though excited for Mysteryland, when asked if the original Woodstock grounds held any special significance to them, the Brooklynites were only vaguely aware.

"It's like historical. I don't know much about it but that's what they tell me," Marrero said.

But others were linked to the grounds through generations.

"My mom went to Woodstock, the original," said Meagen Surowiecki.

But even though Surowiecki said her sister went to the 25-year anniversary of Woodstock festival, she admitted it was all about the pumping sub bass and electronic vibe.

"I just love the dance music; I love all of it," she said while walking away to find her tent.

jnani@th-record.com

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ONLINE

As we cover Mysteryland – before, during and after the festival – follow us and join our community.

- Visit recordonline.com/mysteryland for the latest news, photos, video and social media feeds from the festival. We'll have all the previews, plus the information festivalgoers and Bethel-area residents should know.

- At or going to Mysteryland? Follow our pix, video, words and fun stuff at timesheraldrecord.tumblr.com. We'll be using the #MLUSA tag throughout.

- Follow us on instagram @recordonline and like our photos from Mysteryland! We'll be using the #MLUSA tag throughout.

- And follow us on Twitter @recordonline as we tweet from the festival using #MLUSA.